29 August 2007
The Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has announced a new manufacturer’s life limit on the Cessna 441 Conquest II business turboprop.
Cessna has reviewed its structural maintenance programme for the aircraft and set a new unconditional life limit of 22,500 flying hours, saying that it cannot assure the continued safety of the aircraft after the limit is reached. The potential defect is reportedly in the rear pressure bulkhead, and could lead to inflight structural failure near the vertical tail.
CASA says that the grounding order will be place for one year, during which time remedies will be sought to extend the safe operation of the Conquest beyond the current life limit.
The Conquest is used, among other things, in the Australian Flying Doctor scheme.
